Come with your questions as our expert panel discusses the current situation as it has unfolded over the past two months. What are our greatest threats? What opportunities have arisen? What strategies are in play to contend with the new reality? And what might we expect over the next year and beyond?

 

Panelists:
• Andy Callaway, L&W Supply
• Dave Chaffee, E&K Companies, Inc.
• Janet Crumpton, Acousti Engineering Co. of FL
• Eric Mau, Mau Inc.
• Bill Mordecai, Freudenberg Performance Materials LP
• Cory Nevins, Rockfon

 Demand for design services in April saw its steepest decline on record, according to a new report recently from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 29.5 for April reflects a decrease in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any number below 50 indicates a decrease in billings). During April, both the new project inquiries and design contracts scores also declined significantly, posting scores of 28.4 and 27.6 respectively.  

Even though the U.S. unemployment rate is at a level not seen since the Great Depression, the construction industry's labor woes aren't close to ending, according to panelists at a recent Associated General Contractors of America webinar.

The total U.S. digital twin industry is estimated to soar from $3.8 billion to almost $36 billion by 2025, driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, analysis by research firm MarketsandMarkets shows.

As news of the coronavirus impact continues to unfold, this page will serve as a way to track projects or cities that have halted construction due to the pandemic.

Fortunately, our day-to-day processes look different, but business is going successfully. Unfortunately, we realize that we will feel the greatest impact in the months to come. To prepare, Cox is in the process of providing additional cross-training, anticipating that some employees may be furloughed or faced with taking family or sick time.

The camaraderie and teamwork associated with building morale can be challenging to find while following a safe social distancing mandate. As the recent COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, construction executives will need to find ways to bolster morale to retain staff, manage productivity, ensure employee and subcontractor satisfaction, as well as diminish absenteeism.

OSHA has revised its enforcement policy for recordable cases of COVID-19, adding that it will increase workplace inspections.

Businesses are constantly evaluating the future of their industry and trying to figure out ways to adapt to what the future will bring. Because the future brings so many unknowns, it is, by nature, hard to prepare for. One company, Faith Technologies, decided that the best way to prepare for the future is to prepare its employees to be ready for whatever comes.

On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule that allows employers to pay bonuses or other incentive-based pay to salaried, nonexempt employees whose hours vary from week to week. The final rule clarifies that payments in addition to the fixed salary are compatible with the use of the fluctuating workweek method under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a mobile app that allows users to easily search an online database of more than 400 disinfectant products that can help prevent and reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

CISCA is the global premier authority for the interior construction, acoustical ceilings and acoustical treatment industry. Market your products/services to the multi-billion dollar interior systems industry today.

CISCA is the global premier authority for the interior construction, acoustical ceilings and acoustical treatment industry, fostering professional development and exchanges for and between association members and industry professionals. Be sure to visit our website often as new material is posted regularly.

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